Named after the American general Douglas MacArthur, Rose's earliest years were a crowded environment - 19 people in a one-bedroom house. When she was 9, she moved to live with an uncle in Barataria
She began writing songs at the age of 15, and has written over 800 songs. In 1966 she wrote the song Fire in Me Wire, which has since become a calypso anthem. Rose was the first female to win the Trinidad Road March Competition, in 1977 with her song Tempo. She won the Calypso Queen title five years running. She has also won both the Trinidad Calypso Crown and Road March competitions in 1978, the Sunshine Award in 1989 and the Trinidad and Tobago Hummingbird Medal in 2000.
Rum & Coca Cola
Calypso Rose Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They make you feel so very glad
Calypso sing and make up rhyme
Guarantee you one real good fine time
Rum and Coca Cola
Go down Point Koomahnah
Both mother and daughter
Oh, beat it man, beat it
Since the Yankee come to Trinidad
some of the girls all goin' mad
Young girls say they treat 'em nice
Make Trinidad like paradise
Rum and Coca Cola
Go down Point Koomahnah
Both mother and daughter
Workin' for the Yankee dollar
From Chicachicaree to Mona's Isle
Native girls all dance and smile
Help soldier celebrate his leave
Make every day like New Year's Eve
(Singing') rum and Coca Cola
Go down Point Koomahnah
Both mother and daughter
Workin' for the Yankee dollar
bodoubidab
Trinidad girls are very nice,
They out picks me all days and nights
The GI said they treat them right
???
Rum and Coca Cola
Go down Point Koomahnah
Both mother and daughter
Workin' for the Yankee dollar
Very nice, right!
The lyrics to Calypso Rose's song "Rum and Coca Cola" are a celebration of the Caribbean island of Trinidad and the joyous spirit of its people. The opening lines of the song invite listeners to visit Trinidad and experience the infectious energy of the Calypso music, which is famous for its witty and satirical lyrics. The song describes how the locals party with abandon and enjoy life to the fullest, and it promises that anyone who visits will have "one real good fine time."
The song's title refers to two popular drinks often enjoyed together: rum and Coca Cola. Point Koomahnah is a location in Trinidad where the drinks are said to be particularly delicious, and where the locals often gather to dance and socialize. The next line of the song reveals a darker side to this pleasure-seeking culture, as it describes how both mothers and daughters work for the "Yankee dollar." This is a reference to the American military presence in Trinidad during World War II, when thousands of American soldiers were stationed on the island. Many local women worked as prostitutes or servants for the military in exchange for money, which was their only means of survival in a largely impoverished society.
The final verse of the song describes how the native girls from all over the island dance for the soldiers, helping them to celebrate their leave and making every day feel like New Year's Eve. The song ends with a playful reprise of the chorus, emphasizing the joyous spirit of the party culture that defines Trinidad.
Line by Line Meaning
if you ever go down Trinidad
If you ever visit Trinidad
They make you feel so very glad
You'll feel very happy and welcomed
Calypso sing and make up rhyme
Calypso music, with its rhythmic tunes and improvised lyrics
Guarantee you one real good fine time
Will ensure a fun, enjoyable experience
Rum and Coca Cola
Rum and Coca Cola
Go down Point Koomahnah
Soldiers visit Point Koomahnah
Both mother and daughter
Women of all ages
Workin' for the Yankee dollar
Working to earn American currency
Since the Yankee come to Trinidad
Since Americans arrived in Trinidad
some of the girls all goin' mad
Some girls have gone crazy for the Americans
Young girls say they treat 'em nice
The young girls say that the Americans treat them well
Make Trinidad like paradise
Make Trinidad feel like a paradise
From Chicachicaree to Mona's Isle
From Chicachicaree to Mona's Isle
Native girls all dance and smile
Local girls dance and smile
Help soldier celebrate his leave
Help the soldiers celebrate their time off
Make every day like New Year's Eve
Make every day a festive celebration like New Year's Eve
(Singing') rum and Coca Cola
Singing about rum and Coca Cola
bodoubidab
Humming instrumental tune
Trinidad girls are very nice,
Girls in Trinidad are beautiful and friendly
They out picks me all days and nights
They are more attractive than me every day and night
The GI said they treat them right
The American soldiers say they are treated well
???
Unclear
Very nice, right!
It's very nice, isn't it!
Contributed by Andrew S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rohannr2609
Wow.
I just love your voice queen❤️❤️❤️
🇲🇺🇲🇺
@rkmklz7562
Makes me think of the Caribbean and The Beach ⛱️🏖️..... Calypso Rose Voice is Beautiful... Very Strong Vocal!!!!
@mrs.shreematiemahabir7326
Yessss Mama Rose‼️
@alins4629
Masterpiece 🥰
@G_money
Stand still and listen to this! It can't be done!! Irie! !
@SocaPhD
Original version of this song was composed and sung by Lord Invader in 1943 during World War II when the USA had a large Naval Base in Trinidad.
@Akilahfoye
yes indeed.
@hanifabelkaid9452
J adooore
Super bon son
@luisrios7995
Great Song.
@dioxydeano9802
I love you grandma